TWENTY students from across the South West – including three from Exeter College – are celebrating success, having made it through to the 2010 Wella Xposure Regional Final held at Exeter College this month.
Already recognised as a Wella Centre of Excellence, the global hair brand decided the College’s ultra-modern Hospitality, Hair & Beauty faculty – complete with its own salon, spa and beauty rooms which are open weekdays to the public as well as students and staff – would serve as this year’s perfect host venue.
Exeter College students Laura Clements, aged 18, of Exeter, Sophie Thomas, aged 20, of Exeter, and Stacey Dymond, aged 17, of Crediton, were among those competing on the day in front of a panel of judges who included Andrew Barnes of Exeter salon HQ Hair & Beauty.
They were joined by fellow competitors from seven other colleges. Some had travelled from as far away as Farnborough, Bournemouth, Poole, and Andover in the hope of making it through to the national final, which is to be held in London on May 13.
Those from the South West now going through to the national final are: Georgette McCarthy and Monica Worrell of Basingstoke College of Technology, Ruby Gray and Sophie Wenderott of Bournemouth and Poole College, and Loren Turk of Farnborough College of Technology.
They will be competing against the rest of the UK finalists for the top prize – a chance to spend a day with a top hair stylist, £1000 worth of Wella training vouchers, and a £500 tool kit.
Delighted to have made it as far as she did in such a prestigious national competition, Laura said: “When I found out that I had made it through to the regional finals, I was really excited.
“On the day, I was nervous at first because the judges had been in the industry for so long and had so much expertise, but I couldn’t wait to begin creating a new style on my model.
“When I got started, I soon felt confident and I was ‘in the zone’! When I finished my style, I was really pleased with the outcome and I think my model Jodi looked really good.
“It was also really exciting to meet the judges in person and to listen to them talk about their experiences in the hairdressing industry.”
The College was one of only two colleges selected nationally as ideal hosts. Speaking on behalf of the Hospitality Hair and Beauty department, Head of Faculty Tricia Pugsley said: “Wella is undoubtedly one of the most recognised brands in the industry. It is a name associated not only nationally but worldwide with quality products and training, so it was really exciting to be playing host to the regional finals of such a prestigious competition.
“The students quickly set to work creating some highly imaginative styles which were technically incredibly challenging. Knowing that in addition to hosting the event we also had three of our own students amongt the finalists taking part. As a College this made us feel extremely proud.”

Wella Professionals Key Account Manager Paul Oscroft added: “Exeter College was an excellent venue. The facilities were perfect for the competition and the staff were very helpful and welcoming.

“The calibre of entries in Exeter was very high,” he continued, “and the judges found it challenging when it came to deciding on the five finalists.”

Facebook users can see some of the images from the day by signing up to Wella Professionals Xposure College Competition.